With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Rita Ruth Atkins of Morristown, TN.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
Family is the thread that runs through every story.
Rita Ruth Atkins, age 70, of Bean Station, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Born on September 21, 1955, Rita was the backbone of her family, the one who held everything together when life got hard. She was not just a mother and grandmother; she was the person everyone turned to when things fell apart. Strong, stubborn in the best way, and fiercely loyal to her people, she loved hard and stood her ground. There is a space now that can't be filled, and her absence will be felt every single day.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Atkins; and her brother-in-law, John Atkins.
She leaves behind her son, Cody Bowlin and Savannah Bowlin; her daughter, Letitia Howard and Dennis Howard; and her brother-in-law, Scott Bowlin; she also leaves behind two people who truly showed up for her, Doctor Ellis Stapleton and Ashley Stapleton, who stood by her and the family through it all; she is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Ashley Gibson, Tiffany Atkins, Brittany Atkins, John Atkins, Josh Atkins, Whitney Atkins, and Destiny Atkins; her grandchildren were a huge part of her life-Orlando Bowlin, Adriana Bowlin, Jordan Howard, Noah Howard, Mika Kropff, Scottie Bowlin, Natalie Stapleton, Walker Stapleton, Ellis "Fatboy" Stapleton, and Bella Stapleton; along with many more she loved deeply; she also leaves behind her loyal little companion, her beloved Weiner dog, Fred.
Rita was the steady one, the glue that kept the family together. Life is going to look different without her, and it is going to be harder. She will be missed more than words can really say.
The family will receive friends Monday, May 11, 2026, from 6 – 8 p.m. in the chapel of Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 8:00 p.m. Graveside/interment services will be Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Atkins Cemetery in Bean Station at 11:00 a.m.
Arrangements by Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita Ruth (Bowlin) Atkins, please visit our floral store.
